NELSON TRAILS

Coppermine Trail

Coppermine Trail is one of the must-do rides in Nelson. The trail follows the alignment of the historic Dun Mountain Railway, New Zealand’s first railway, which was in operation between 1862 and 1901 to transport chromite extracted from mines on the eastern slopes of Wooded Peak. The trail ventures through the dramatic landscape of the Dun Mountain Mineral Belt, which is characterised by stunted vegetation and reddish-brown ultramafic rocks. It has become a popular mountain-biking circuit and is included as one of New Zealand’s Great Rides. Its appeal stems from the fascinating landscape it traverses, as well as its achievable length and ability to be completed from central Nelson. Coppermine Trail also provides access to Rocks Hut and Te Araroa Trail, and passes through the trail riding areas of Codgers MTB Park and Fringed Hill.

Details (Full Circuit)
Distances 38.7 km return circuit to start of Codgers Track (via Tantragee Saddle); 2.9 km Nelson Visitor Centre to start of Codgers; 6.2 km Maitai Motor Camp to Nelson Visitor Centre
Time Required 3-4 hr for MTB
Trail Type Shared track
Physical Difficulty Moderate      to Hard   
Technical Difficulty Intermediate   
Uses Walking, trail running and MTB
Direction Brook Valley start for MTB, either for walkers and trail runners
Max Elevation 878 m
Dog Access Dogs are prohibited on Coppermine Trail


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Access

  5 min from central Nelson (Brook Valley) | 10 min from central Nelson (Maitai Valley car park)

 

Coppermine Trail can be completed as a full circuit or in sections. As it links with many other tracks on the surrounding ridges and valleys, routes of varying length and difficulty can be created. Given the length of the trail, there are multiple locations you can start from. A full circuit is best ridden in an anti-clockwise direction, i.e. starting in Brook Valley, as you can take advantage of the gentle gradient of the former rail alignment, though if you’re on foot either direction is fine. The three main sections of the trail are Brook Valley to Third House, Third House to Coppermine Saddle and Coppermine Saddle to Smiths Ford (Maitai Valley). While classed as a Great Ride, the trail is just as popular among walkers and trail runners; bikers should always be cautious of people on foot and should give way to them, particularly when descending at speed. Dogs are prohibited on the trail.

Starting in Brook Valley

The starting point of Coppermine Trail is the beginning of Codgers Track, which follows the historic rail incline and doubles as one of the main entrances to Codgers MTB Park. Codgers Track begins on the left side of Brook St, partway up Brook Valley and is a 10 min ride from central Nelson. If you’re driving to the start, you can park on the street adjacent to Codgers Track (limited spaces), or continue a further 800 m up Brook St and turn left immediately after the bridge across The Brook. Head past the first car park to the next car park called Andrews Farm, where you will find toilets and bike washing facilities. From the car park follow the signposts the short distance to Codgers Track. If you’re on foot, you can also climb the walkway that heads straight uphill from the first car park (this option is steeper but saves 1.5 km).

Starting in Maitai Valley

From central Nelson, head up Maitai Valley Rd for about 5 km and turn right into the signposted car park before Maitai Motor Camp. From here Coppermine Trail follows a gravel road up the eastern side of Tantragee Saddle to connect with the historic rail alignment just over the other side. Alternatively, after crossing Maitai River, turn left onto Maitai River Walkway, then right onto Te Ara Kōpoki, which is a shared use track that also climbs to Tantragee Saddle (at a gentler gradient). Note that Te Ara Kōpiki is for uphill riding only.

 

Starting at Maitai Dam

Trail runners and walkers can just as easily complete Coppermine Trail in a clockwise direction. To do this, the best place to start is the car park next to Maitai Dam, which is 11 km up Maitai Valley Rd from Central Nelson. This is also the starting point for return trips to Dun Mountain summit or Coppermine Saddle, (see Dun Mountain Circuit for more details).

Brook Valley to Third House
Distances 11.2 km via Codgers Track; 9.7 km via walkway from car park; 11.2 km from Maitai car park
Time Required (one way) 1 hr (MTB); 2 hr 30 min-3 hr (walking)

 

Begin by heading up Codgers Track, which follows the historic rail alignment from the side of Brook St. This will take you along the bottom of Codgers MTB Park and nearly to the top of Tantragee Saddle. Alternatively you can begin at the car park at the start of Tantragee Road, where a walkway climbs uphill for 1 km to link with the original rail alignment.

 

The trail steadily gains elevation along the western flank of Fringed Hill, passing through plantation forestry and gullies of native bush. As the track follows the rail alignment, the gradient is gentle. At Bullock Spur there is a good lookout and picnic spot, and at the head of the following gully (Cummins Creek) is the site of First House. After 4.5 km you’ll reach the intersection known as ‘Four Corners’ where the decent from Fringed Hill connects on the left and Brook-Waimarama Sanctuary fence line drops down to the floor of Brook Valley.

 

After Four Corners the trail enters native forest and continues on the uphill side of Brook-Waimarama Sanctuary. The trail crosses a large slip that has caused issues over the last few years. The steep hillside means it will likely continue to cause occasional closures and force detours along the sanctuary fence line. The trail continues through a few railway cuttings and past the site of Second House. Third House is 4.3 km beyond Four Corners, on a point on the ridge once known as Wairoa Saddle. The existing shelter is not the original building; the latter was used as a workshop for the railway and storage depot. Third House is also the connection point for the sanctuary fence line road, which you can follow through to Jenkins Hill and Marsden Valley.

Third House to Coppermine Saddle
Distance 6.3 km
Time Required (one way) 30 min (MTB); 1 hr 30 min (walking)

 

Beyond Third House the trail continues to Junction Saddle (682 m). This is the eastern end of Black Diamond Ridge Track, which heads back along the crest of the ridge to Fringed Hill (and gives access to Sunrise Ridge). Wooded Peak Track also begins at Junction Saddle, climbing Wooded Peak (1111 m) and connecting back to Coppermine Trail at Windy Point.

 

Soon after Junction Saddle the site of an 1863 lime kiln is passed. The kiln extracted limestone from an exposed section of the Wooded Peak limestone formation that the trail crosses. The site of Fourth House is 3.1 km beyond Junction Saddle and soon after the beech forest transitions to the coarse scrub of the mineral belt. Windy Point (845 m) is a few hundred metres later, where Wooded Peak Track connects from the left. The stunted vegetation allows expansive views south across the mineral belt. Most of the chromite mines were located either side of the trail between Windy Point and Coppermine Saddle. The most obvious remaining evidence of the mining works are the spoil piles, though you may also spot some of the surviving railway sleepers beneath your wheels (or feet). The trail crosses several rock chutes, with many boulders precariously positioned on the uphill side of the track.

 

Coppermine Saddle (878 m) is 1.1 km from Windy Point. Here there is a track junction that gives access to Dun Saddle, Dun Mountain Summit, Rocks Hut and Te Araroa Trail. There is a toilet and a signpost indicating the times and distances to the next locations. Coppermine Saddle is the furthest point the railway was constructed to.

Coppermine Saddle to Maitai Valley
Distances 10 km Coppermine Saddle to Maitai Dam; 3.8 km Maitai Dam to Smiths Ford; Smiths Ford; 7.6 km Maitai Dam to start of Codgers via Tantragee Saddle
Time Required (one way) 45 min (MTB; to Smiths Ford); 2-3 hr (walking; to Maitai Dam car park)

 

From Coppermine Saddle, the trail descends through a small patch of beech forest then gradually descends the western flank of Dun Mountain through stunted ultramafic vegetation, which mainly comprises kanuka, southern rata, kamahi and lancewood. The track flows through numerous zig-zags as it descends into the valley of the Maitai River South Branch. Bikers should be very cautious of walkers through this section.

 

Instead of crossing the footbridge, continue along Coppermine Trail on the true left of the Maitai River, as it follows the city’s water supply pipeline (built in 1963) back down the valley to Smiths Ford (3.8 km away). The trail maintains a consistent elevation alongside the pipeline, and gradually gains height relative to the river below. Not long after the footbridge turnoff the track sidles across an active rockslide face; when you cross this you will get an appreciation for why this section of the trail closes every so often due to slippage.

 

At Smiths Ford, Coppermine Trail drops down to Maitai Valley Road and officially ends. From here, follow the road down the valley to Maitai Motor Camp car park. From here, to get back to Brook Valley you can take Te Ara Kōpiko or Tantragee Saddle Road (follow the signposts from the car park). To get back to the city centre, you can take either Maitai Valley Walkway (as far as Clouston Bridge), which can be accessed across the river from the car park (follow the signposts). You can also continue down Maitai Valley Road.

Safety

Coppermine Trail reaches an elevation of 878 m at Coppermine Saddle. Whilst not alpine, the sparsely-vegetated mineral belt is very exposed, and Windy Point often lives up to its name. The eastern slope of Wells Ridge between Windy Point and Coppermine Saddle receives little sunlight in winter, and consequently the track can be icy. Make sure you are prepared with warm layers. Mobile phone coverage is patchy between Maitai Motor Camp and Third House.

 

Though classed as a Great Ride, Coppermine Trail is a shared track that is popular among walkers and trail runners; please ride accordingly, and be respectful of all trail users.

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Biking

Coppermine Trail

Coppermine Trail is one of the must-do rides in Nelson. The trail follows the alignment of the historic Dun Mountain Railway, New Zealand’s first railway, which was in operation between 1862 and 1901 to transport chromite extracted from mines on the eastern slopes of Wooded Peak. The trail ventures through the dramatic landscape of the Dun Mountain Mineral Belt, which is characterised by stunted vegetation and reddish-brown ultramafic rocks. It has become a popular mountain-biking circuit and is included as one of New Zealand’s Great Rides. Its appeal stems from the fascinating landscape it traverses, as well as its achievable length and ability to be completed from central Nelson. Coppermine Trail also provides access to Rocks Hut and Te Araroa Trail, and passes through the trail riding areas of Codgers MTB Park and Fringed Hill.

Details (Full Circuit)
Distances 38.7 km return circuit to start of Codgers Track (via Tantragee Saddle); 2.9 km Nelson Visitor Centre to start of Codgers; 6.2 km Maitai Motor Camp to Nelson Visitor Centre
Time Required 3-4 hr for MTB
Trail Type Shared track
Physical Difficulty Moderate      to Hard   
Technical Difficulty Intermediate   
Uses Walking, trail running and MTB
Direction Brook Valley start for MTB, either for walkers and trail runners
Max Elevation 878 m
Dog Access Dogs are prohibited on Dun Mountain Trail


If any layers fail to load, try clearing your cache and refreshing the page.

 

 
 

Access

  5 min from central Nelson (Brook Valley) | 10 min from central Nelson (Maitai Valley car park)

 

Coppermine Trail can be completed as a full circuit or in sections. As it links with many other tracks on the surrounding ridges and valleys, routes of varying length and difficulty can be created. Given the length of the trail, there are multiple locations you can start from. A full circuit is best ridden in an anti-clockwise direction, i.e. starting in Brook Valley, as you can take advantage of the gentle gradient of the former rail alignment, though if you’re on foot either direction is fine. The three main sections of the trail are Brook Valley to Third House, Third House to Coppermine Saddle and Coppermine Saddle to Smiths Ford (Maitai Valley). While classed as a Great Ride, the trail is popular among walkers and trail runners; bikers should always be cautious of people on foot and should give way to them, particularly when descending at speed. Dogs are prohibited on the trail.

Starting in Brook Valley

The official starting point of Coppermine Trail is the beginning of Codgers Track, which follows the historic rail incline and doubles as one of the main entrances to Codgers MTB Park. Codgers Track begins on the left side of Brook St, partway up Brook Valley and is a 10 min ride from central Nelson. If you’re driving to the start, you can park on the street adjacent to Codgers Track (limited spaces), or continue a further 800 m up Brook St and turn left immediately after the bridge across The Brook. Head past the first car park to the next car park called Andrews Farm, where you will find toilets and bike washing facilities. From the car park follow the signposts the short distance to Codgers Track. If you’re on foot, you can also climb the walkway that heads straight uphill from the first car park (this option is steeper but saves 1.5 km).

 

Starting in Maitai Valley

From central Nelson, head up Maitai Valley Rd for about 5 km and turn right into the signposted car park before Maitai Motor Camp. From here Coppermine Trail follows a gravel road up the eastern side of Tantragee Saddle to connect with the historic rail alignment just on the other side. Alternatively, after crossing Maitai River, turn left onto Maitai River Walkway, then right onto Te Ara Kōpoki, which is a shared use track that also climbs to Tantragee Saddle (at a gentler gradient). Note that Te Ara Kōpiki is for uphill riding only.

 

Starting at Maitai Dam

Trail runners and walkers can just as easily complete Coppermine Trail in a clockwise direction. To do this, the best place to start is the car park next to Maitai Dam, which is 11 km up Maitai Valley Rd from Central Nelson. This is also the starting point for return trips to Dun Mountain summit or Coppermine Saddle, (see Dun Mountain Circuit for more details).

Brook Valley to Third House
Distances 11.2 km via Codgers Track; 9.7 km via walkway from car park; 11.2 km from Maitai car park
Time Required (one way) 1 hr (MTB); 2 hr 30 min-3 hr (walking)

Begin by heading up Codgers Track, which follows the historic rail alignment from the side of Brook St. This will take you along the bottom of Codgers MTB Park and nearly to the top of Tantragee Saddle. Alternatively you can begin at the car park at the start of Tantragee Road, where a walkway climbs uphill for 1 km to link with the original rail alignment.

 

The trail steadily gains elevation along the western flank of Fringed Hill, passing through plantation forestry and gullies of native bush. As the track follows the rail alignment, the gradient is gentle. At Bullock Spur there is a good lookout and picnic spot, and at the head of the following gully (Cummins Creek) is the site of First House. After 4.5 km you’ll reach the intersection known as ‘Four Corners’ where the decent from Fringed Hill connects on the left and Brook-Waimarama Sanctuary fence line drops down to the floor of Brook Valley.

 

After Four Corners the trail enters native forest and continues on the uphill side of Brook-Waimarama Sanctuary. The trail crosses a large slip that has caused issues over the last few years. The steep hillside means it will likely continue to cause occasional closures and force detours along the sanctuary fence line. The trail continues through a few railway cuttings and past the site of Second House. Third House is 4.3 km beyond Four Corners, on a point on the ridge once known as Wairoa Saddle. The existing shelter is not the original building; the latter was used as a workshop for the railway and storage depot. Third House is also the connection point for the sanctuary fence line road, which you can follow through to Jenkins Hill and Marsden Valley.

Third House to Coppermine Saddle
Distance 6.3 km
Time Required (one way) 30 min (MTB); 1 hr 30 min (walking)

Beyond Third House the trail continues to Junction Saddle (682 m). This is the eastern end of Black Diamond Ridge Track, which heads back along the crest of the ridge to Fringed Hill (and gives access to Sunrise Ridge). Wooded Peak Track also begins at Junction Saddle, climbing Wooded Peak (1111 m) and connecting back to Coppermine Trail at Windy Point.

 

Soon after Junction Saddle the site of an 1863 lime kiln is passed. The kiln extracted limestone from an exposed section of the Wooded Peak limestone formation that the trail crosses. The site of Fourth House is 3.1 km beyond Junction Saddle and soon after the beech forest transitions to the coarse scrub of the mineral belt. Windy Point (845 m) is a few hundred metres later, where Wooded Peak Track connects from the left. The stunted vegetation allows expansive views south across the mineral belt. Most of the chromite mines were located either side of the trail between Windy Point and Coppermine Saddle. The most obvious remaining evidence of the mining works are the spoil piles, though you may also spot some of the surviving railway sleepers beneath your wheels (or feet). The trail crosses several rock chutes, with many boulders precariously positioned on the uphill side of the track.

 

Coppermine Saddle (878 m) is 1.1 km from Windy Point. Here there is a track junction that gives access to Dun Saddle, Dun Mountain Summit, Rocks Hut and Te Araroa Trail. There is a toilet and a signpost indicating the times and distances to the next locations. Coppermine Saddle is the furthest point the railway was constructed to.

Coppermine Saddle to Maitai Valley
Distances 10 km Coppermine Saddle to Maitai Dam; 3.8 km Maitai Dam to Smiths Ford; Smiths Ford; 7.6 km Maitai Dam to start of Codgers via Tantragee Saddle
Time Required (one way) 45 min (MTB; to Smiths Ford); 2-3 hr (walking; to Maitai Dam car park)

From Coppermine Saddle, the trail descends through a small patch of beech forest then gradually descends the western flank of Dun Mountain through stunted ultramafic vegetation, which mainly comprises kanuka, southern rata, kamahi and lancewood. The track flows through numerous zig-zags as it descends into the valley of the Maitai River South Branch. Bikers should be very cautious of walkers through this section.

 

Instead of crossing the footbridge, continue along Coppermine Trail on the true left of the Maitai River, as it follows the city’s water supply pipeline (built in 1963) back down the valley to Smiths Ford (3.8 km away). The trail maintains a consistent elevation alongside the pipeline, and gradually gains height relative to the river below. Not long after the footbridge turnoff the track sidles across an active rockslide face; when you cross this you will get an appreciation for why this section of the trail closes every so often due to slippage.

 

At Smiths Ford, Coppermine Trail drops down to Maitai Valley Road and officially ends. From here, follow the road down the valley to Maitai Motor Camp car park. From here, to get back to Brook Valley you can take Te Ara Kōpiko or Tantragee Saddle Road (follow the signposts from the car park). To get back to the city centre, you can take either Maitai Valley Walkway (as far as Clouston Bridge), which can be accessed across the river from the car park (follow the signposts). You can also continue down Maitai Valley Road.

Safety

Coppermine Trail reaches an elevation of 878 m at Coppermine Saddle. Whilst not alpine, the sparsely-vegetated mineral belt is very exposed, and Windy Point often lives up to its name. The eastern slope of Wells Ridge between Windy Point and Coppermine Saddle receives little sunlight in winter, and consequently the track can be icy. Make sure you are prepared with warm layers. Mobile phone coverage is patchy between Maitai Motor Camp and Third House.

 

Though classed as a Great Ride, Coppermine Trail is a shared track that is popular among walkers and trail runners; please ride accordingly, and be respectful of all trail users.

Updated 12 August 2020